Walls will soon come tumbling down as a vision for a treasured public space in Farnham looks set to become a reality - starting with the opening of a new-look playground.

Work on the first stage of a new play area at Gostrey Meadow is nearly finished with the revamped attraction set to open next week.

And there’s more good news for providers, Farnham Town Council, as they’ve finally been given permission for a new toilet block after a wait of several months.

The playground revamp has been split into phases with the public able to use pieces like the Wey Mill junior unit, spinner, seesaw, toddler climbing unit and swings from next Friday (August 1).

“We’re nearly there but there’s still some tree planting to do and we’ve got three types,” said town clerk, Iain Lynch, during a site visit.

“One is a paper bark, another is a katsura and another is a strawberry tree which will actually produce small strawberries. There will be a smell of country fields from all three species.”

The second phase will focus on the area around the Borelli Shelter with a new seating area, Lions Den, water play area and new toilet block expected to open by the end of 2026.

The latter development has proved controversial with the likes of the Farnham Society crying foul over plans to replace the “poor and outdated” block.

They have labelled the plans for a “simple and sturdy” replacement with a gently curved roof and eco-friendly features “wholly inappropriate” because of its scale and design, with the group even proposing an alternative.

Waverley Borough Council has set strict conditions over the retention and pruning of trees and have requested arboricultural details before work begins.

Questions have also been asked about the cost of the toilet revamp with final figure not yet confirmed.